Regrettably, the simple truth is that millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing so not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and also prison time. Often times someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse challenge. A legal court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment rather than other serious consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other effects from the crime, but can decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first-time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of individuals who do receive alcohol and drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges later on.